Bryce Harper, who has been sidelined from Grapefruit League play since Thursday due to back stiffness, was expected to miss the Phillies’ games on Monday, a split-squad day against the Pirates and Yankees. The Phillies are taking a cautious approach with Harper’s condition.
“He’s been doing a lot of work, a lot of swings, a lot of defensive work,” Thomson told reporters. “He got a little stiff, so we’re just being precautious. We’ll just back him off for a few days.”
Harper has been actively participating in camp, often working out early in the morning at first base on the half field at BayCare BallPark with infield coach Bobby Dickerson. He started in nine of the Phillies’ 14 games from Feb. 28 through March 14.
Last season, Harper missed the Phillies’ first 30 games while recovering from Tommy John surgery but managed to avoid the injured list thereafter, starting in 125 of 132 games. He experienced a brief setback on Aug. 10-11 when he felt back spasms and exited a game against the Nationals after his second plate appearance, then missed the following game.
The priority for the Phillies is to ensure Harper is as close to 100 percent as possible for Opening Day. They conclude their Florida schedule next Monday and kick off the season against Atlanta at home next Thursday. The team anticipates having Harper back in the lineup later in the week.
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